Of power and purpose: 10 of the most impactful stories of 2023

At rank nine is yet again a le Bal story, this time on the six promising women in Asia invited to the Paris-based gathering in 2023. The young ladies Jasmine Yen, Skye Wong, Advaitesha Birla, Hannah B Husain, Yvette Yao, and Roxie Zhao stood confident in their couture gowns last November 25 as they were introduced to the society. 

Read here: Meet the shining young women at this year’s le Bal des Debutantes

Mariana Zobel de Ayala is a force to reckon with even in the digital scene. Her cover story for Tatler garnered high page views despite being published in the latter months of the year. There, she discussed her career beginnings outside her family’s business and how she eventually “knocked on their door” and slowly rose to the ranks.

“I am very proud to be associated with an interesting history of commitment to the country and its development—but it can also be intimidating,” Zobel de Ayala shares with Tatler. “I challenge myself with how we, the eighth generation, might contribute to this institution in a way that leaves it better than how we found it.”

Read here: Mariana Zobel de Ayala takes the helm of the Ayala Corporation as its executive director

It’s always nice to hear about tales of self-acceptance and beauty aficionado Bianca Brander shared hers in a rather inspiring manner in a digital story for Tatler. Like the typical person, her insecurities sometimes get to her, but she ultimately puts them on a pedestal and does not wallow for too long. She embraces her flaws and uses her go-getter personality to inspire those around her. 

“Confidence is accepting the current state that you’re in, rather than thinking about this future version of yourself you will love,” Brander says. “We all have lines and little marks here and there, but that makes us interesting. I think nothing is more beautiful than a woman who has fully accepted her imperfections.”

Read here: Embracing imperfections: Bianca Brandner’s vibrant lifestyle

At rank six is a story of significant meaning. 

Yip Pin Xiu, A-Mei, Jeff Rotmeyer, Isa Lorenzo, and Beatrice Leong are just a few inspiring names in the industry who are working hard to ensure that all voices are heard in the global conversation about human rights, especially when it comes to groups of people with disabilities (PWDs) and the LGBTQ community. Some of these advocates are members of these communities themselves, while others are allies lending their strength to the cause.

Stories like this that introduce notable people prove how our audience is progressively informing themselves, which is needed in the journey toward true diversity and inclusion.

Read here: All together now: Asia’s inspiring champions of diversity and inclusion

The August cover story is one for the books. First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos shared her dreams and advocacies for the country, bringing the people’s attention to essential matters such as education, healthcare, and cultural preservation.

“As the first lady and his wife, I take charge of the back of the house: maintenance of the [Malacañang] Palace, the state of the halls and holding rooms, the kitchens—that’s my jurisdiction, what I’m more than ready to take over, much as any wife would do for her husband,” she also shares.

Read here: In a league of her own: First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos

Amami owners Danielle Tan and Christine Tiu’s story also garnered attention. There, they bravely told how their passion project became an avenue that offers livelihood opportunities for local craftspeople and, at the same time, enables them to hone their talents and skills. Their platform also ensures that the craft—rooted in Filipino heritage—lives on for future generations.

Read here: Danielle Tan and Christine Tiu on celebrating the Filipino heritage through jewellery

Lea Salonga, Jeremy Monteiro, and Kulleh Grasi are all familiar names, their photos plastered along the Music Hall of Fame. You’ve heard of them and their performances one way or another, even if you aren’t really into music. As such, they’ve increased the visibility of Asian musical styles and showcased the richness of talent in the region—and continue to do so today. 

Read here: World-famous Asian singers who are breaking barriers with music

In a world where women’s bodies often face scrutiny under judgmental eyes, Barebone CEO and founder Carla Regin introduces a product that allows women freedom of expression—non-traditional undergarments in the form of nipple covers. 

In the story, she discusses how “views on breasts have shifted dramatically over the past years”, breaking the stigma and that “wearing what we want is to embrace our body proudly.”

Read here: Going braless? Why Barebone CEO and founder Carla Regin prefers to go without

History is witness to how education is deemed an essential aspect of one’s life—it is a human right. Women have fought hard to have a place in the academe; lawmakers and the masses pushed for it to be accessible to a majority. In the eyes of most Filipino parents, education is a legacy they can impart to their children. If you have the means, then sending them to Ivy League schools is the best choice. Some of our most treasured Tatler friends think so, too, with their children leaving home to pursue laurels and degrees. This story shows the next generation of leaders and the schools they enrolled in this year. 

Read here: The next generation: where are these future changemakers going for university?

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